**Executive Summary**
On 13 April 2026, the Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition was flagged off from Marve, Mumbai, to commemorate the bicentenary celebrations of the Regiment of Artillery. The 520-nautical-mile journey along the Konkan Coast marks the first blue water sailing venture by an Artillery Regiment and serves as a tribute to the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The expedition, which involves four legs of travel between Mumbai, Vijaydurg, and Goa, aims to demonstrate the Indian Army's attributes of teamwork and resilience.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Expedition Details and Route**
* **Flag-off:** Ceremonially started on 13 April 2026 by Lieutenant General N. S. Sarna from Marve, Mumbai.
* **Scope:** The voyage covers approximately 520 nautical miles along the Konkan Coast.
* **Four-Leg Journey:** The route consists of Mumbai to Vijaydurg, Vijaydurg to Goa, Goa to Vijaydurg, and Vijaydurg to Mumbai.
* **Purpose:** Celebrates the Regiment of Artillery’s bicentenary and honors India’s seafaring heritage.
**Technical and Operational Aspects**
* **Vessels:** The expedition uses 21-foot Seabird class sailing boats.
* **Navigation:** The team sails at an average distance of 7 nautical miles from the coastline.
* **Environmental Challenges:** Participants must navigate dynamic maritime conditions and variable wind patterns ranging from 2–4 knots to 10–15 knots.
* **Training:** The crew underwent structured pre-expedition training at the Heavy Bridge Training Centre, Marve.
**Leadership and Support**
* **Leadership:** The team is led by Captain Kshitij Nair and Subedar Prakash Funde.
* **Ground Support:** Major Vardhan Shidhye leads the dedicated ground support element.
* **Inter-service Cooperation:** Administrative and operational support is provided by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
**Impact Analysis**
**Regiment of Artillery**
**Impact**
The expedition marks a historic milestone as the Regiment's first blue water sailing venture during its bicentenary year, reinforcing its commitment to adventure and leadership.
**Action Required**
The Regiment must coordinate the four-leg voyage while maintaining high standards of precision and teamwork.
**Expedition Team (Officers and Crew)**
**Impact**
Members are required to demonstrate exceptional endurance and seamanship to handle variable maritime conditions and navigation.
**Action Required**
The crew must successfully navigate the Seabird class boats through the planned route while managing fluctuating wind patterns and coastal navigation.
**Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard**
**Impact**
These branches are integrated into the project as key support providers.
**Action Required**
Provide necessary administrative and operational assistance to ensure the smooth execution and safety of the expedition.
Key Entities Referenced
Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition: The first blue-water sailing venture undertaken by an Indian Army Artillery Regiment, covering 520 nautical miles as part of its bicentenary celebrations.
Regiment of Artillery: The combat arm of the Indian Army responsible for the expedition, marking its 200th anniversary through this maritime initiative.
Lieutenant General N. S. Sarna: Commandant, School of Artillery and Senior Colonel Commandant, Regiment of Artillery, who ceremonially flagged off the expedition.
Konkan Coast (Mumbai, Vijaydurg, Goa): The primary geographical operational area for the expedition, spanning the maritime route across Maharashtra and Goa.
Ministry of Defence
SAMUDRA SAHAS SAILING EXPEDITION
FLAGGED OFF FROM MUMBAI AS PART OF
REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY BICENTENARY
CELEBRATIONS
Posted On: 13 APR 2026 4:24PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 13 April 2026
The Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition, undertaken by the Regiment of Artillery as part of its
bicentenary celebrations, was ceremonially flagged off today from Marve, Mumbai by Lieutenant
General N. S. Sarna, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Commandant, School of Artillery and Senior
Colonel Commandant, Regiment of Artillery.
The expedition is also a tribute to the enduring maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,
reflecting India’s rich seafaring heritage and strategic foresight.
Marking the first blue water sailing venture by an Artillery Regiment, the expedition will cover
approximately 520 nautical miles along the Konkan Coast using 21-foot Seabird class sailing
boats. The voyage is being conducted in four legs: Mumbai to Vijaydurg, Vijaydurg to Goa, Goa
to Vijaydurg and Vijaydurg to Mumbai.
Sailing at an average distance of around 7 nautical miles from the coastline, the team will
navigate dynamic maritime conditions, including variable wind patterns ranging from 2–4 knots
to 10–15 knots. The expedition demands exceptional standards of seamanship, endurance and
coordination.The expedition team is led by Captain Kshitij Nair and Subedar Prakash Funde, with a dedicated
ground support element under Major Vardhan Shidhye. Prior to commencement, the crew
underwent structured pre-expedition training at the Heavy Bridge Training Centre, Marve.
The expedition is being conducted with administrative and operational support from the Indian
Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
The Samudra Sahas Sailing Expedition exemplifies the core attributes of the Indian Army
precision, teamwork, adaptability and endurance while reinforcing its commitment to promoting
adventure, leadership and resilience.
* * *
PIB Mumbai | Robin Singh/Darshana Rane
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